Breaking Borders

A documentary by Fatima Warsame and Barbara Vollebrecht

Breaking Borders portraits the life of Ibrahim Mokdad (30). Ibrahim is one of many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) refugees that fled to Europe to find a new home. Ibrahim’s life as a gay men in Lebanon wasn’t easy. His conservative parents never stopped hoping he would end up with a wife and kids and the country has a penal code that states that ‘unnatural relationships’ are punishable by law. Ibrahim was assaulted more than once for being gay. When he was thrown from the third floor of a flat by his ‘date’, he decided to leave his home country once and for all.

Not only did he want to find a safe place for himself, but also for the hundreds of other LGBTIQ people who are still struggling to be who they are. Ibrahim now fills his days fighting societies labels and being a voice for other refugees while still dealing with the scars from his past.

In a world that is polarizing, Ibrahim’s story is an eye-opener. Breaking Borders goes behind everyday news about the refugee crisis, hateful protests and violence in refugee camps. It is not about good or bad, it is not about right or left, it’s about a boy breaking out of the borders of his past life. It’s about acceptance, love, sadness and freedom. The documentary gives a face and stage to a minority group who’s voice isn’t being heard enough. But it also shows how we all search for the same things; love and a place to call home.